They met on an app for neurodivergent people. Now, the couple with autism is sharing how finding love changed them.

Couple with Autism Finds Love on Neurodivergent App, Says Relationship Has Been a Game-Changer

The story of Mariah Caezza and Dominic Modugno's love is one that defies stereotypes about dating and relationships. The two met on Hiki, a social media app designed specifically for people living with autism, and got engaged in November 2024. Their love story has brought joy and hope to many, showcasing the potential of online platforms to connect people with similar struggles.

For Caezza, finding love on an app that understands her neurodivergent experience has been a life-changing moment. "It's pure happiness," she said about their relationship. Caezza explained that living with autism can be isolating and overwhelming at times. "Sometimes you feel like you don't fit in and other times you feel amazing and unique, like you have a gift." Hiki, launched by CEO Jamil Karriem seven years ago, has given her the opportunity to connect with someone who truly gets her.

Karriem's cousin was the inspiration behind the app. He had voiced his concerns about making friends and facing an uncertain future due to autism. Karriem was determined to create a space where neurodivergent individuals could find friendship and love without fear of judgment or rejection. The app has since accumulated over 350,000 users worldwide, offering a platform for people with various conditions – including ADHD, anxiety disorders, and the autism spectrum.

For Caezza and Modugno, Hiki has been more than just an app; it's a lifeline. They've credited the platform with helping them be more open about their struggles and find comfort in each other. "He helps me by comforting me a lot," said Caezza. Modugno jokes that he sings Doechii's song "Anxiety" to make her laugh, bringing joy and lightness into their relationship.

The statistics surrounding autism are dire. Adults with autism are at nearly three times higher risk of dying by suicide compared to other populations, according to a 2024 analysis by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Hiki has taken a crucial step towards addressing this issue by creating a safe space for neurodivergent individuals to connect and find support.

For Caezza and Modugno, their love story is one of hope and resilience. They've found in each other a sense of belonging and acceptance that they never thought possible. As they navigate life's challenges together, they're living proof that with the right support and understanding, even the most vulnerable among us can find happiness and fulfillment.

I'm so happy for them!!! Their love story is truly inspiring , and it shows that online platforms can be a game-changer for people with autism (and other neurodivergent conditions). It's amazing how they found each other on an app designed specifically for their needs . Hiki has done a great job in creating a safe space for people to connect and find support . And let's be real, who doesn't love a good love song ? Doechii's "Anxiety" is literally the perfect anthem for anyone feeling anxious . Mariah and Dominic's relationship is proof that love can conquer all , even when faced with challenges like autism. We need more stories like this to spread hope and acceptance !

I'm loving this story about Mariah & Dominic's love on Hiki They're like the ultimate example of how online platforms can bring people together and create meaningful connections. I mean, living with autism can be tough, but having someone who understands and gets you is like a weight off your shoulders . It's beautiful to see them embracing each other's quirks and finding joy in their differences .

I've been following Hiki for a while now, and it's amazing to see how far it's come since its launch seven years ago . Jamil Karriem's dedication to creating a space where neurodivergent individuals can feel safe and supported is truly inspiring . The stats on autism are heartbreaking, but Hiki's presence is like a beacon of hope .

I'm curious to know more about the app's features and how they're able to match users based on their interests and needs . Has anyone else had similar experiences with online dating or connections? Share your stories in the comments below!

just read about this couple who met on an app for people with autism and it's honestly really beautiful... i mean, we've all heard of online dating, but to see someone actually finding love and connection in a space that gets them is just amazing they're proof that there are people out there who understand what it's like to feel like you don't fit in, and that can be such a relief. it's cool to see an app being used for good, especially when it comes to mental health and support... 350k users isn't bad at all

I don't know... I mean, I do know that this is kinda awesome? They met on an app designed for people like them, and now they're engaged? That's pretty cool, right? But then again, I'm not so sure... What if the app isn't really doing what it says it's doing? Like, are people just using it to feel good about themselves, or is there actual support going on? And what about all the other people who aren't on autism-friendly apps? Are they just stuck in a rut because of the lack of options?

And don't even get me started on the stats... I mean, yeah, adults with autism are at a higher risk of dying by suicide, and that's super sad. But is this app really going to make a difference? Or is it just one more thing for people to feel like they're not good enough?

But hey, at the same time... Mariah and Dominic seem genuinely happy, and their love story is kinda inspiring? Maybe we should be celebrating that instead of worrying about all the what-ifs?

I'm so glad to see this! It's amazing how much of a difference Hiki is making for people like Mariah and Dominic. As someone who's always been passionate about mental health awareness , it's incredible to see an app being used as a tool for connection and support.

I think what's even more inspiring is the way Caezza and Modugno are using their platform to raise awareness about autism and neurodivergence. They're not just happy couples - they're also ambassadors for change . And let's be real, we need more of that in our lives!

It's time to break down those stigmas surrounding mental health and neurodiversity. We need more people like Mariah and Dominic sharing their stories and helping others feel seen and heard. So here's to Hiki and its amazing users - keep shining your light !

omg i'm literally crying over here their love story is so inspiring, i mean who would've thought that an app for autistic ppl could lead to LOVE ? it's like jamil karriem (the creator of hiki) is a genius and mariah & dominic's relationship is proof that neurodivergent ppl deserve love & acceptance just as much as anyone else i mean we need more stories like this, especially with the stats on suicide being so high for autistic adults it's a huge step forward for hiki to provide a safe space for them to connect & find support let's keep spreading positivity & hope

omg can't believe this couple's love story! it's like a dream come true for people like them who've always felt isolated and struggling to connect. i mean, hiki is more than just an app its literally a lifeline for neurodivergent folks who need a safe space to be themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. 3.5k users worldwide is insane but seriously the stats on autism are heartbreaking adults with autism are so much more than their struggles they deserve love and acceptance like mariah and dominic's story shows us. let's keep spreading positivity and support for these amazing individuals

I gotta say , this is like the ultimate fairy tale love story... but we all know it's not always easy to find people who "get" us, especially when you're living on the spectrum . Like Caezza said, it's amazing that Hiki exists as a space where neurodivergent folks can connect without fear of judgment or rejection . But what about the rest of us? Are we just expected to find love in the wild or something? It seems like this app is a game-changer for sure ... but are there any downsides, like, do all these new relationships mean you'll have to deal with more drama?

omg u guyz i'm literally beaming w/ joy reading about mariah & dominic's love story its like, finally someone is breaking the mold of what we think autism should be or look like...and hiki is the game changer! not only has it brought them together but its also giving people a space to connect without fear of judgment i mean, let's talk about the stats around autism tho...its heartbreaking that adults with autism are more likely to die by suicide but if apps like hiki can provide a safe space for ppl to find support & connection then thats a major win in my book

I'm loving this couple's love story! It's amazing how Hiki has given Mariah and Dominic a platform to connect and be themselves without fear of judgment. Autism is already so isolating, but it sounds like these two have found a true partner in each other . The stats on autism are heartbreaking, though - it's crazy that adults with autism are at such high risk of dying by suicide . Hiki's app is definitely doing some great work to change this narrative and create a sense of community and acceptance for neurodivergent folks . I'm so here for their happy ending!

Wow this is so cool. I mean, who would've thought that an app for autistic people could lead to love? It just goes to show how tech can bring ppl together. Interesting that it was launched by someone's cousin who was struggling with autism. Makes u think about the impact one person can have on others. The stats around autism are heartbreaking, though . It's awesome that Hiki is creating a safe space for people to connect and find support.

They actually found love on an app made for people like them! It's a game-changer

this is so amazing to hear about Mariah and Dominic's love story! I mean, who wouldn't want a partner who gets their struggles and makes them feel better? it's like they say, you can't choose your family but you can choose your friends... or in this case, your life partner . Hiki is literally changing lives and providing a safe space for people to connect and find support. 350k users worldwide is insane! I'm so glad the app is helping reduce that statistic on autism deaths by suicide... it's like they're shining a light on a very important issue .

Ugh what's next? They're saying this app is a game-changer for people on the autism spectrum but have you seen the stats on adult mortality rates? 3 times higher risk of dying by suicide? That's not something to be hopeful about, that's a ticking time bomb . And now we're talking about this couple finding love and happiness? Meanwhile, the world is still struggling to provide adequate support for people with autism and it's only getting worse . The more I read about this app, the more I'm convinced that it's just another Band-Aid solution for a problem that needs a major overhaul .

i think its so cool that apps like hiki are creating spaces for people with autism to connect and find love mariah and dominic's story is literally a breath of fresh air in a world where dating can be super intimidating or even traumatic for some ppl living on an app specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals must've made all the difference for them especially with the alarming stats surrounding autism, it's amazing to see an app taking steps towards reducing stigma and providing support

omg i think its so awesome dat couple met on neurodivergent app ! ther story shows us thats online dating cant b all bad, esp if u hav a platform lik hiki that gets ur diff needs . its like mariah & dominic finally found ppl who dont judge them 4 bein different - autism or not . i think its so impotint dat apps like hiki r created to help ppl w/ autism & other neurodivergent conditions feel more connected . they need 2 b proud of who dey ar & hav ppl who appreciate dem 4 who dey ar . cant wait 2 c more success stories lik dis!

I'm totally obsessed with their love story ! It's so inspiring to see a couple find each other on an app designed for people like them . Mariah and Dominic are proof that love can conquer all, even when you're dealing with autism and anxiety . Hiki is doing such amazing work in creating a safe space for neurodivergent individuals to connect and find support . It's heartbreaking to think about the stats around autism and suicide, but this couple is shining a light of hope and resilience . They deserve all the happiness in the world, and I'm rooting for them every step of the way .